Whew, have we been busy in our Omanut classroom over the past few weeks before this holiday week off! We examined Genesis by watching videos on BimBam.com, talking through the passages in The Explorers Bible in small groups and, individually, by painting our own interpretations of the first 7 Days of Creation on canvas boards with acrylic paint. After we finished our paintings, students did a brief write up about their work in an "Artist Statement", to support their knowledge and promote ensuring understanding.
We also created a public art Pop Up about the 7 Days of Creation on a large canvas cloth that hung from the back of the Temple Isaiah Amphitheater that the kids really loved painting! We hope that you saw it, and if you didn't, please check out the JQuest Facebook page for some pictures!
In every class I try to weave in ways for us to be conscious about being a mensch- what it means, how it is already a part of our Jewish identity and how we can spread the goodness no matter where we are or when it is. Kindness, Respect and Honesty are all staples of mensch-isms that we use during our time together.
This is a great video about the awesomeness of being Jewish and being proud! Enjoy it! This video is requested at some point for almost every class:
We have a lot of fun things coming up soon-- Bring A Friend Day during Hanukkah week, a class trip to the Contemporary Jewish Museum when we get back from Winter Break, and a fun and interesting Parent Program. Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving; I am certainly thankful for being able to teach your children, and learn from them!
See you soon,
Heather
